In a concerning turn of events for Duke University’s basketball team, two of its star players, Cooper Flagg and Malik Brown, suffered injuries during the quarterfinals of the 2025 ACC Tournament against Georgia Tech. The injuries occurred in the first half of the game, and both players were ruled out, leaving their teammates and fans worried about the severity of the injuries.
Flagg, the talented freshman forward, rolled his left ankle while coming down with a defensive rebound and hit the floor in pain. Despite initial concerns, X-rays came back negative, and Duke head coach Jon Scheyer described the injury as a “sprained” ankle. Flagg was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair but returned to the bench on his own power. He was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game, and Scheyer mentioned that the team would have to wait and see how he recovers.
Brown’s injury was more severe. He re-dislocated his left shoulder, which he had previously dislocated in mid-February. Scheyer revealed that Brown was in significant pain and was taken to a Charlotte-area hospital for further treatment. Brown had previously missed time with a sprained toe and knee injuries, and this latest setback will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the team.
Despite the setbacks, Duke advanced to the semifinals, where they’ll face the winner of the Wake Forest vs. North Carolina matchup. Scheyer will assess the severity of Flagg’s ankle injury and Brown’s shoulder re-injury to determine their availability for future games. The team will need to adjust their strategy and rotations to compensate for the losses of their two key players.
Flagg has been having an outstanding season, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He’s a strong contender for National Player of the Year and National Freshman of the Year honors. The extent of his injury will be crucial in determining his participation in the upcoming games. Fans and teammates alike were relieved to see Flagg walk back to the bench after receiving X-rays, and his toughness and dedication to the team were on full display.
The team’s performance on the court was impressive, despite the injuries. Duke’s 12-0 run in the game showcased their resilience and determination. However, the injuries to Flagg and Brown will undoubtedly be a challenge for the team to overcome. Scheyer’s post-game press conference provided some clarity on the situation, and the team will need to rally around their injured players and find a way to succeed despite the adversity.
As the team moves forward, they’ll need to rely on their depth and chemistry to overcome the losses of Flagg and Brown. The ACC Tournament is always competitive, and Duke will need to be at their best to advance to the next round. With Flagg’s impressive season and Brown’s experience, the team will undoubtedly miss their contributions. Still, they’ll need to find a way to adapt and overcome the challenges ahead.
